Morning Rush Hour on Memorial Bridge: Ditchers (appointed, law)

[molukai]

So it has become increasingly obvious to me that my morning rush hour commute time varies heavily depending on several factors, one of which is from the amazing number of people that would go out of their way to drive (illegally) in the emergency/non-lane of the memorial bridge so that they can force merge themselves onto the Alexandria ramp. If any of you are those people, shame on you. I recommend everyone waiting in the long car lines like they are supposed to to just put half of their car on that emergency lane to stop these offenders. There is no other recourse that I can see (at least not one that would amount to anything).

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Probably less pious to leave earlier than to be a self-appointed traffic cop.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by molukai

So it has become increasingly obvious to me that my morning rush hour commute time varies heavily depending on several factors, one of which is from the amazing number of people that would go out of their way to drive (illegally) in the emergency/non-lane of the memorial bridge so that they can force merge themselves onto the Alexandria ramp. If any of you are those people, shame on you. I recommend everyone waiting in the long car lines like they are supposed to to just put half of their car on that emergency lane to stop these offenders. There is no other recourse that I can see (at least not one that would amount to anything).

Which lane are you talking about?

[molukai]

Hands, you'd feel the same way if you were in the positions of the people that only have like 10 miles to work but still having to take an hour stemming from people ditching. Also, knowing you, I am willing to bet that I regularly head out to work earlier than you. Perhaps it is more pious to think of constructive posts than to make cynical ones.

dkf - the wilson memorial bridge heading in from the maryland side. there is always a line that backs up all the way to the bridge heading toward the alexandria old city exit ramp. unscrupulous people - of which the DC region has plenty of - would drive in the emergency lane/curb to get right at the exit ramp and then force themselves onto the ramp.

[dkf747]

Oh. I thought you meant Memorial Bridge in DC. That's why I didn't get it.

[gggjfg]

Now that you have described typical commuter behavior anywhere in this country and every other country I've been in, perhaps the human race is not your cup of tea.

I find it especially entertaining that someone in the area of our nation's capitol, is using the word "unscrupulous" to describe a groups actions.

Yes, I have taken the exact route you are talking about, but not in recent years.

Now that I recall getting off there to head north into Alexandria, yep, you can call me "unscrupulous" too.

[molukai]

Consider yourself unscrupulous then, troll.

[slowlane3]

FYI -the term Memorial Bridge usually is used to mean Arlington Memorial Bridge, not the Wilson Bridge.

I dont understand. Are the drivers you're talking about, getting off the highway a little early, to take the exit ramp? I don't think that's so bad -- as long as they drive at a slow speed on the shoulder, in case other cars in front of them want to similarly get off.

Or are they actually using the shoulder lane to bypass backed-up traffic to enter a road or highway, which I agree with you is reprehensible, and I would do as you suggest, and block the shoulder lane too. If a true emergency vehicle came along and wanted to use the shoulder, you could still get back in the main lane fast enough to let them by.

[molukai]

Thanks for the tip, slowlane. I think I am entitled to a bit of a lack of knowledge as I still consider myself a 'recent addition' to the area (that, and the bridge itself has the official name of 'Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge').

About the drivers: OK, so the line for the alexandria ramp backs up to the bridge's most right lane. To the right of the most right lane is the emergency lane. People speed through the emergency lane down past the bridge where it then opens up into two right-side lanes because there are actually two ramps. Right before the road splits into the two ramps, the people that sped down the emergency lane would then force themselves onto the alexandria ramp. So yes, they are using a shoulder lane to bypass backed-up traffic to enter a road (in this case a ramp)

[Phyxius]

I would just ignore them and when they get to the ramp to Route 1, just let them in. Holding them up make the situation a lot worst and dangerous. So they are breaking the law and you doing what you are suppose to, it is not fair so what? Driving is not a competition. As long as they aren't close to side swiping you, I wouldn't worry much about it. You should be focusing getting to your destination. Let their careless and inconsiderate driving catch up to them on their own time.

I'm sure there is an alternate route that may end up being quicker.